This is the fifth volume of the now well-established Yearbook of Muslims in Europe, covering the calendar year 2012. As was the case with the most recent volumes, this one covers 46 countries coinciding roughly with the continental region covered by the Council of Europe—we have included Belarus, although not a member, and we have omitted the Vatican and the three mini-states, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino, which are members.

During the last couple of years, the European financial crisis led to a change of focus among politicians and the media which took some of …